20 MPG combined isn’t going to win any awards for less gas, but considering the 2018 BMW M4 DTM Champions Edition, it’s almost an afterthought. This isn’t a car bought by people prioritizing fuel efficiency, it’s a visceral, track-ready machine for enthusiasts who value performance above all else. Think of fuel consumption as the cost of admission to a very exclusive club, one where the soundtrack is a snarling inline-six and the handling is razor-sharp.

City and highway performance

The M4 DTM Champions Edition’s EPA ratings break down to 17 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the inherent inefficiency of stop-and-go driving, amplified by the M4’s aggressive tuning. Expect the engine’s eagerness to translate into frequent gear changes and a heavier foot on the accelerator, even when you’re consciously trying to conserve fuel. The highway figure is more palatable, thanks to the automatic (AM-S7) transmission’s ability to settle into a relatively efficient cruising gear. Even on the open road, the temptation to use the engine’s prodigious power will impact your fuel consumption. The car essentially begs you to accelerate hard and often, challenging you to resist the urge. Those prioritizing outright fuel savings would be better served considering all Bmw fuel economy data, but those people wouldn’t be shopping for an M4 DTM Champions Edition.

Annual fuel cost

According to the EPA, the estimated annual fuel cost for the 2018 BMW M4 DTM Champions Edition is $2,900. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with a mix of city and highway driving, and assumes the use of premium fuel, which this high-performance engine requires. The calculation uses national average fuel prices, which fluctuate, so your actual costs may vary depending on where you live and current gasoline prices. Use this number as a baseline for further research into the real costs of owning this car.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides a standardized estimate, real-world fuel economy for the M4 DTM Champions Edition will likely vary considerably, particularly with how the car is driven. Owners who frequently visit the racetrack or engage in spirited driving on backroads will likely see numbers significantly lower than the EPA estimates. On the other hand, drivers who primarily use the car for daily commuting and are mindful of their driving habits might achieve figures closer to the official ratings. However, it’s important to be realistic; buying this car and expecting to consistently achieve 24 MPG is detached from reality. The M4 asks to be driven hard and pushed to its limits. Remember that wind, road conditions, and altitude play an important role in fuel economy.

How it compares

Compared to other high-performance coupes of its era, the M4 DTM Champions Edition’s fuel economy is about what you’d expect. The Mercedes-AMG C63 S Coupe, for example, with its thundering V8, achieves around 18 MPG combined. The Audi RS5, with its turbocharged V6, typically sees figures around 21 MPG combined. Even the less powerful standard M4 model will see similar numbers, with all M4 MPG across all years being quite close. The difference lies in the overall performance and driving experience; buyers in this segment often trade a few MPG for a more engaging and thrilling ride. If you are cross-shopping for fuel economy, you’re missing the point of cars like these.

Tips to maximize efficiency

While maximizing fuel efficiency might not be the primary goal of an M4 DTM Champions Edition owner, there are a few things that can be done to improve it. Avoid unnecessarily aggressive acceleration and braking. The M4’s responsiveness can be addictive, but smooth and deliberate inputs will help conserve fuel.

Ensure your tires are properly inflated. Low tire pressure increases rolling resistance, which negatively impacts fuel economy. Check your tire pressures regularly and inflate them to the recommended levels (found on the doorjamb).

Limit idling time. Idling burns fuel without covering any distance. If you’re going to be stopped for more than a minute or two, it’s generally more efficient to turn off the engine.

Consider using the car’s driving modes. While the Sport and Sport+ modes unleash the full potential of the engine, the Comfort or Eco Pro modes can help to optimize fuel efficiency by adjusting throttle response and shift patterns.